Boston Globe in Support of Deceptive Practices Bill

by Jonah Goldman

Today the Boston Globe ran an editorial, "New Americans step forward", about new Americans and the importance of involving them in our electoral process.  The editorial mentions that, while several organizations have setup voter registration drives at swearing-in ceremonies, it is important these new Americans are not mislead or threatened when they try to exercise their right to vote.  An important remedy to this problem is the Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Prevention Act. 

Here is an excerpt from the editorial:

As their numbers and visibility rise, new citizen voters may face more efforts to manipulate them or keep them away from the polls. Such abuses occurred across the country during the 2006 election. In Virginia, voters received fraudulent calls wrongfully informing them that they were ineligible to vote. In Maryland, deceptive flyers listed the names of Republican candidates as is if they were Democrats. The flyers were handed out in minority communities on election day. And in California, registered voters got letters stating that it was a crime for immigrants to vote.

Last month, the House passed a bill that would make intentionally misleading voters a federal crime. Sponsored by Illinois Democrat Rahm Emanuel, the bill would also increase the penalty for voter intimidation, which is already a crime. The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Promoting and protecting the voting rights of new citizens is vital. Every vote has to count. Otherwise a damning message is sent: The democratic system is rigged, and shrewd players should use whatever means possible to get their turn at doing the rigging.

As slow as voting may be in producing new laws, it remains a fundamental way to enact lasting change. As new citizens claim that right, it must be scrupulously defended.

Read the entire editorial here.